ENHC 2007 Partnership Grant guidelines and applications are now available!

The ENHC Partnership Grant program provides matching funds to projects that preserve and promote the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the Essex National Heritage Area, and encourages organizations to work cooperatively on these projects. Grants are offered in five categories: Heritage Education, Heritage Interpretation, Heritage Preservation and Research Stewardship, Archives and Historical Records, and Trails and Greenways. Grant applications are due March 1, 2007. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Bill Steelman (Preservation, Archives and Trails projects) or Kate Fox (Education and Interpretation projects).

The ENHC is pleased to have this opportunity to share remarks made in a November speech by Congressman Marty Meehan before the House of Representatives about the Essex National Heritage Commission.

"I would like to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Essex National Heritage Area (ENHA) and to congratulate the Essex National Heritage Commission (ENHC) on their outstanding work.

I can still remember when Tom Leonard came down to Congress in September of 1995 to testify in support of legislation---One of the most poignant moments in Tom’s testimony was when he laid out his vision for a true public private partnership to preserve the rich history of Essex County---During the last 10 years that vision has ensured that the historical treasures in Essex County will survive for future generations---Over the last 7 years, ENHC has provided over $1.3 million for 195 projects in 33 communities in Essex County. In my district, the ENHC has made a number of grants to Lawrence, Haverhill, Andover, and Methuen to preserve and educate residents about our rich history---ENHC also organizes and funds a number of other programs including their groundbreaking History in the Making program and Essex Heritage Explorers. Today, as we celebrate the accomplishments of the ENHC, we must also plan for the future.

In Congress, we have filed legislation to extend the authorization and increase the cap on the amount of federal money the ENHA can receive. This legislation is crucial for ENHC to be able to continue the important preservation and educational work they do. I would like to congratulate the staff and volunteers of the ENHC on 10 years of outstanding work and thank them for preserving our national heritage."

ENHC would like to thank the Congressman for these kind words and his dedicated support throughout the last 10 years.

ENHC Trustee Dr. Wayne M. Burton, President of North Shore Community College since 2000, personally lives the institution’s vision to be a catalyst for personal, community and regional change through education, training and civic engagement. He is everywhere! In addition to contributions as an ENHC Trustee since October 2000, Dr. Burton serves on the boards of the Lynn Community Minority Cultural Center, Union Street Corridor Community Development Corporation, Essex County Anti-Crime Council, Lynn and North Shore Chambers of Commerce, North Shore Music Theater and the Welfare Training Access Coalition’s Advisory Board. He is a tireless partner, who builds connections between the public, civic, business and non-profit communities. This has been further evidenced by his willing commitment of the NSCC Lynn Campus resources as an integral partner in presenting Friendship Sails to Lynn this August. Dr. Burton was personally tapped by Governor Deval Patrick to serve his transition team prior to the inauguration. A Vietnam war veteran and Bronze Star recipient, he holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from colleges in Maine and New Hampshire and earned a doctorate in higher education from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Burton resides in Durham, New Hampshire with his wife Betsy. The ENHC is proud to recognize Dr. Burton for all of his accomplishments and contributions.

Those of you who are First Period “fans” probably already know that there are more houses in Essex County constructed during the “first period” of American architecture (1625-1725) than anywhere else in America. Imagine! Many of us are intrigued by the English “Old World” architectural styles that colonists adapted in the “New World,” while slowly developing their own. We resonate to timber frame construction–to summer beams, chamfers, and lamb’s tongue stops. We delight to see original hearths and early ovens where they’ve been preserved. We try to imagine large families living and working in modest rooms, forging new lives, building a colony and a nation. Thanks to the Essex National Heritage Commission and their new Guide to First Period Architecture in Essex County, we have an opportunity to call attention to our early architectural history and discuss some of the issues that interest us.
Join in and tell your colleagues! We all have a lot to learn, and a lot to share. I look forward to reading your posts. –Bonnie Hurd Smith

The Guide to First Period Architecture in Essex County is funded in part by the Nationanl Trust for Historic Preservation.

Residents in the ENHA will have access to the resources of the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference when it returns to Boston, March 7-10 at the Hynes Convention Center. More than 85 workshops, tours, and seminars serve the needs of professionals and owners of historic commercial and residential properties and those interested in traditionally inspired new construction. More than 150 exhibitors of hard to find products and services will display their wares. Continuing education credits for many professionals are available and a new two-day residential series is offered for owners of historic or “new-old” houses. For details visit, email or call 1-800-982-6247.

This show was formerly called the Restoration and Renovation Exhibition and Conference. It is now owned by Restore Media, LLC, the publishers of The Old-House Journal, Clem Labine’s Traditional Building, Clem Labine’s Period Homes, and Old-House Journal’s New Old House.

Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area is one of 37 federally designated heritage areas in the nation and is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service. Through the development of a network of sites, programs and events, SSNHA's mission is to interpret farm life, agribusiness and rural communities-past and present to ensure that residents and visitors alike learn about significant contributions that Northeast Iowa’s people and land have made to America’s agricultural legacy. In the Silos & Smokestacks region, the heritage of America’s agricultural revolution still exists but needs preservation and interpretation. American agriculture is one of the primary sources of this country’s wealth and world leadership. Our challenge is to convey the breath and scope of this story in a compelling, meaningful way. Visit Silos & Smokestacks!